A series of observational essays presents close, often anecdotal studies of tree squirrels and a wide range of other fur-bearing mammals — chipmunks, woodchucks, rabbits, muskrats, skunks, foxes, weasels, mink, raccoons, porcupines, opossums, and wild mice. It records tracks, nesting and denning habits, diets, seasonal rhythms, and defensive tactics such as caching and scent-emission, with attention to movement and local behavior. Field incidents and careful description convey sensory detail and the author’s reflective tone. Chapters alternate species-specific natural history with broader meditations on fear, survival, and the relations between wild animals and rural human activity.